Expedia Flight Coupons - Best Places to Travel in December

So you can take your pick from these wonderful travel destinations and have a great vacation, given below are some of the best places that you can travel to in December. To escape the frigid cold of your town, and there are quite a few places that you can go to. Either a vacation alone or a family vacation! What you need is vacation. And have a glorious time without worrying about a single thing, where you can totally relax your mind and body, and most of all. Where your hair is not frizzy and unkempt like the winter cold makes it. Where the sun shines softly on your face and brings back the color to your blanched cheeks. And you imagine how wonderful it would be to be in a sunny and warm area at such a time. But you dread getting out of the blanket to go to the kitchen and prepare them, pots of coffee and hot chocolate are your saviors. Watching television or reading a book by the fire, you want to sit curled up on your bed. You don't feel like stepping out of the house because of the severe cold. Warm and comfortable, winter brings with it the need to stay in the quilt.

Best December Vacation Destinations

And pick the one that everyone agrees on, so check out these vacation ideas. Most of these places are good for a fun family vacation. We have compiled for you a list of some of the best places to travel in December, keeping these points in mind. Etc, the mode of transport, during and after the vacation, the expenses that will be incurred before, the duration of the vacation. But you need to take many points into consideration before you decide to pick a December vacation spot. There are quite a few spots to choose from, when it comes to December vacations.

Florida

A great idea for a winter vacation this year, all in all, so! To visit here, . And other places like aquariums etc, the famed Universal Studios, there are also a bunch of other theme parks. What else can you say, with places like Disney World to visit? And rightly so, this state has a separate identity as a tourist state. Take your family to Florida and have a warm Christmas.

Arizona

Don't forget to carry your cameras for this trip! You'll thoroughly enjoy the spectacular view, however you go! You can hike across the Grand Canyon National Park or take a mule tour of the canyon. The most beautiful thing to do in this warm state is obviously visit the Grand Canyon. The temperature being somewhere around 50?F, arizona is pleasantly warm in December.

Australia

And enjoy their night life! Melbourne etc, canberra, visit the important cities like Sydney. And various other glorious places, yorke Peninsula, hunter Valley, the Blue Mountains, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, visit the Great Barrier Reef. So you can enjoy the warmth on the beaches, it is summer in Australia in December. You'll have one of the best family vacations ever, if you visit Australia.

Goa

If you do plan a vacation there, and some delectable sea food cuisine are some of the things awaiting you in Goa, a thrilling night life, friendly locals, glistening beaches. It is one of the good cheap December vacation spots too. For Indian and foreign tourists, this tiny state is one of the tourist hot-spots. India, is Goa, another great place to visit in December.

Rajasthan

And enjoy the beautiful handicrafts in the local markets, have candle lit dinners in the middle of the desert. Go on tours visiting the various palaces in Jaipur and Udaipur. This desert state in India has a charming history and is still the home to Maharajas. In India is definitely on the list, then Rajasthan, if you're looking for some of the cheapest places to travel.

Thailand phuket,

It's really a complete vacation package for the entire family, so! There are also quite a few adventure activities for kids and adults alike. And enjoy the various festivities in the town of Phuket, see the Big Buddha statue, bathe in the Phuket waterfalls, visit the local market, go beach hopping. Another great place to visit for a December holiday is Phuket in Thailand.

But sometimes that could be something that you will end up enjoying more than a warm vacation, it will be chilly! And have a wonderful time, you can always take a luxurious Europe vacation, if none of these best places to travel in December appeal to you!

Australia Air Flights - And Greece spain, france, cruise on the Mediterranean Sea and Visit Italy,

You will experience all of the amazing scenery and rich cultures during a holiday on the Mediterranean. And Greece, spain, france, exploring this region on cruises entails visits to Italy. Cultures and historic sites as you can on a Mediterranean Sea cruise, there isn't anywhere else on the planet where you can sample as many exotic flavors.

When and where you go is really all up to you. Although there are still cruise ships that sail all year long, the best season for Mediterranean cruises is between April and October. And most entertainment already taken care of, meals, one wakes up in a new world each and every morning and relaxes in the comfort of one's very own floating resort with all of the accommodations, when one cruises the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean Cruise Ports

A cruise around the Greek Isles is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy all of the awesome natural beauty and the very lively nightlife. You can opt to take a small luxury cruise ship to many beautiful islands or a large ship to the famous cities in Italy and France. Several cruises from Athens will sail around the Greek Islands and the Mediterranean Sea.

And all the popular cruise lines will sail from here, cruises from Barcelona can go everywhere around the Mediterranean. And architecture create an ideal port of departure, nightlife, shopping, this city's amazing food. Over one million passengers a year will take Barcelona cruises in Spain.

Whose natural beauty is embellished by all of the yachts and finery of the French Riviera's rich and famous denizens, it is located on the scenic Cote d'Azur. Which is located between the Mediterranean and the Alps, there are 3 luxury cruise lines that offer Mediterranean cruises from Monte Carlo.

Nainital Hotels - General Things to Know About Paris

Where Should I visit? What are the people like? Visitors will be asking themselves: What is the city like? For all you romantics out there who are planning a special weekend or a few days getaway to Paris the capital city of France.

Next time we will remember to bring along the book with instead of leaving the book in the hotel. Not quite the same but feeling thirsty we didn't complain. We thought we had asked for two coffees and cakes instead we were given two lemonades and crisps. When we visited the city a few years ago, we were caught out in a Paris cafe. Remember to bring along with you during your time in Paris. My suggestion would be to invest in a good French language book. The Parisians will still only speak French and will ignore anyone who does not wish to try and master their language. Even with the introduction of Euro Disney to the outskirts of the capital. The locals expect visitors to speak French while visiting their city. Language
Nearly all true Parisians only speak French.

The metro is very efficient we only had to wait a few minutes each time we tried to catch one on our visit. The metro has stops had nearly all of the main attractions and even a metro stop at Euro Disney metro. Why not try the Paris Metro for your transport needs around Paris. If you have forgotten to bring along your driving license or just wish to chill out during your stay. If you feel confident you may to hire a car during your stay in Paris. Cheap and reliable, metro
There are various modes of transport in Paris which are tourist friendly.

All we needed to do on arrival was to validate the tickets at the machine. This happened to us when we visited a few years back. If you are lucky you may even receive a metro ticket with your airline tickets. One week or even a weekend can be purchased at the stations, tickets for one day.

Be careful when travelling on the metro and use your same judgement as you would back home. Luckily the tourist stopped the thief before any harm was done. While on a metro heading back to our hotel we witnessed a small child attempting to steal a German backpacker tourist's wallet while he was attempting to board a train. Please watch your handbags and wallets on the metro as children are being trained as thieves and are very quick and nibble. As with most big cities.

This could be a great way to get to know new people and ask them for tips when visiting Paris. Sometimes the waiters may ask you to share a table if they are very busy. The restaurants can be very reasonable in price. Then you could be in for a treat, dining Out
If you watch which part of town you choose to eat out.

Bon Appetite.

Travel To Australia - How to Pack to Protect Against Pickpockets

Make travel safer. Security wallets etc; neck wallets, travel pouches, security belts, money belts, rolling carry on luggage makes travel easier.

All documents in his wallet had to be replaced and his money was gone; we spent hours at the police station, as it was,  . He could have saved himself a lot of grief; had he planned ahead,  . My cousin was not well prepared for such an occurrence;  . But the culprit had already disappeared in the crowd leaving the train; he noticed it immediately,  . Someone swiped my cousin's wallet from his back pocket; just before the final stop, while taking a train from the Colosseum back to the main train station - standing room only - hanging on to one of the straps installed for that purpose,  . Italy; rome, i've experience with pickpockets in only one of them,  . 2009 TripAdvisor pointed out the 10 worst places for pickpockets, on September 14th.

actually you should consider two questions:    How do you plan for such an event?

* How do I try to prevent it from happening in the first place?

If it should happen, * How can I make it the least troublesome?

Here are my suggestions:

This will also help you keep your luggage to a minimum;  . 1) Leave everything you cannot bear to lose at home.

  Stored separately from other documents; and take another copy with you, leave one copy with a trusted person at home,  . Which you will have with you, make copies of all important documents, 2) Before you leave home.

And don't forget to bring emergency contact numbers, just in case you do need to replace important documents, 3) Bring a set of extra passport photos with you.

Take along an extra set of safety pins; speaking of pinning items inside pockets,  . Chances are you won't lose everything at once; if you keep your cash safely pinned in one pocket or money belt and credit cards in another,  . Don't keep cash and credit cards together;  . 4) Divide your valuables.

And it is easier to keep an eye on your belongings; you will not have to carry more than you can handle,  . 5) Pack as few things as possible.

Buy something in a local grocery store or drug store and use their bag to carry some items;  . The smaller the chance that you'll be targeted; the more you fit in with the locals,  . 6) Try not to look like a tourist.

Never pay by showing a wad of cash. 7) Never keep your wallet in your rear pocket.

  Don't take shortcuts down alleyways;  . Stay in areas that are populated and well lit;  . 8) Avoid getting into confrontations with anyone.

Even other tourists; children alone, that includes women with babies,  . Even people who seem to be no threat can be scam artists;  . 9) Don't listen to sob stories.

While a partner steals from you or cuts your purse straps; accidentally spills something on you or other such diversions, always have your guard up when someone asks directions,  . 10) Watch out for tag team distractions.

Which can leave you stranded in foreign surroundings, following the above advice will protect you from having your holiday spoiled by events.

Never forget the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared; therefore,  . Consider that you may occasionally fall asleep during transit;  . Neck wallets etc, security belts, travel pouches, money belts,   which are an added protection against theft:  there are products on the market, finally.

Here they are in order as given by Trip Advisor: and just in case you'd like to know the 10 worst cities for pickpockets,

Spain 1) Barcelona,

Italy 2) Rome,

Czech Republic 3) Prague,

Spain 4) Madrid,

France 5) Paris,

Italy 6) Florence,

Argentina 7) Buenos Aires,

Netherlands 8) Amsterdam,

Greece 9) Athens,

Vietnam 10) Hanoi,

Trip Advisor Rome - Top Southern California Beaches

It depends on what you're looking for: well, Which Southern California beach should top your list? You may have a difficult time choosing, if you have a limited time on your visit and can only visit one beach, however. You cannot visit Southern California without stopping at one of its many wonderful beaches and dipping your toes in the Pacific Ocean.

Surfing:

22 miles away (check out the pay scopes for closer views), which include Catalina Island, you'll want to visit the pier at Huntington City Beach where you can watch the surfers as well as take in the views. You can also rent one in Huntington Beach, no problem. Forget your surfboard or boogie board? Is the place you'll want to visit to surf and watch surfers in action, or "Surf City" as some call it, huntington Beach, surfers' Hall of Fame and International Surfing Museum, plus a Surfing Walk of Fame, huntington Beach: With over 50 surfing competitions held each year in Huntington Beach.

Huntington State Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach) have concrete fire rings which allow you to have nightly bonfires and cookouts, another reason to go to Huntington Beach is that all three of their beaches (Huntington City Beach.

As it is considered one of the best surfing spots along the San Diego County coastline, swami's Beach is also a great place to watch the surfers, swami's Beach: Located in Encinitas below Seacliff Roadside Park.

Sitting in the Sand Relaxing:

Some consider Zuma beach one of the finest surfing beaches as well. That's not all there is to do, just because Point Dume and Zuma beaches are great for relaxing, of course. Point Dume is it, or read a good book, so if you want to lie in the sand and sleep, point Dume is a little quieter than Zuma. Then Zuma, when driving west on PCH you'll come to Point Dume first. Are the beaches to go to escape the crowded Los Angeles beaches, approximately 19 miles west of Malibu on Pacific Coast Highway, but Point Dume and Zuma beaches, you can sit in the sand and relax at all the beaches in Southern California, zuma/Point Dume: Of course.

People Watching:

You'll love Venice Beach on the weekend, if you like crowds. Where you can find bodybuilders pumping iron, as well as Muscle Beach, you'll also find restaurants and all sorts of shops along Ocean Front Walk. Magicians and other assorted entertainers, mimes, acrobats, on any given weekend you can be treated to musicians. Performers and those you're not quite sure if they're performing or not, there you'll find skaters. At the end of Washington Street in Venice, then you'll have to visit Venice Beach. Venice City Beach: Want a quirky beach experience?

Fun Out of the Water:

You can also roller blade and ride bikes on the bike bath along the beach. Motion simulator and a nine-story Ferris wheel with spectacular views, bumper cars, roller coaster, rides include a carousel. You have to really try hard to be bored at Santa Monica State Beach. Games and restaurants, santa Monica State Beach is great because you have Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier with rides, santa Monica State Beach: If you get tired of sunbathing or playing in the ocean.

And enjoy your visit, drink plenty of water throughout the day, just remember to bring and apply your sunscreen. These are just a sampling of the great beach experiences you can have in Southern California.

Te Anau Accommodation - There is a lot more to Florida than Disney and Crowded Beaches

Expert on Florida Travel, bruce Hunt, travel author, editor of the travel site Sketchandtravel and the book reviewing site Bookpleasures is pleased to have as a guest, norm Goldman, today.

And Adventure Sports In Florida, breakfasts, florida's Finest Inns And Bed & bruce is the author of Visiting Small Town Florida Revised Edition.

Norm:

Good Day Bruce and thank you for participating in our interview.

Norm:

Could you tell our readers something about yourself and what prompted you to write books on Florida?

Bruce:

Etc, crowds, with all the things that go along with that--traffic, and I've watched it grow from a medium-size town into a big city, i've lived in Tampa all my life. I'm one of those rarities--a Florida native.

So I pitched the idea for the first volume of "Visiting Small-Town Florida" to Pineapple Press ten years ago, i figured there must be others like me. And where Mom-and-Pop general stores and home-cooked-meal diners still exist, where it's still quiet enough in the middle of the day that you can hear birds chirping, and say Good Morning as they pass you on the sidewalk, wave, and I like to go visit off-the-beaten-path places--quiet and peaceful little towns where people you don't even know smile, but occasionally I need a break from the "big-cityness", i do love Tampa.

So this was a natural first book for me, i've been skydiving for 28 years and racing sports cars for 20. ) and where to learn how to do them properly. Etc, cave diving, hot air ballooning, hang gliding, automobile racing, but it was a guidebook to high-adrenaline sports (skydiving, it's out of print now. "Adventure Sports In Florida" (also Pineapple Press) came first. That wasn't my first book though.

Revised Edition", then in 2003 "Visiting Small-Town Florida, which complimented the "Visiting Small-Town Florida" series nicely, breakfasts", and then "Florida's Finest Inns and Bed & came Volume 2 of that book, after "Visiting Small-Town Florida". I like them both, but what can I say, some people think it's odd that I have an interest in these types of things as well as the small-town stuff.

Norm:

Please elaborate. Were there any events or experiences that would lead you to this conclusion, as a follow up and if you agree with this assertion? Do you believe that travel is a learning experience and by effectively employing our senses we will be handsomely rewarded?

Bruce:

I can't pinpoint one--I've just had the travel bug as long as I can remember, regarding events or experiences. That's why I spend so much time digging up trivial tidbits of history about the places I go to and write about. The more you will enjoy it, and I think the more you learn about the place you are visiting. And smells, sounds, travel is all about new experiences--placing yourself in a completely different environment--fresh sights.

Norm:

B, and the perfect romantic inn or B& what is your idea of the perfect romantic getaway?

Bruce:

And picturesque--like the places I list two questions down, private, quiet.

Norm:

Why should we consider Florida as a romantic destination?

Bruce:

To name a few spots, dora. Mt, cedar Key, apalachicola, micanopy, fernandina, augustine. But I think there's a lot of romance in well-preserved historic Florida too--St, and there's something about being around beaches and the water that's enticing, well certainly Florida has its tropical and exotic side.

Norm:

Which ones would you consider and why, if you had to choose 5 unique and romantic Florida destinations for a wedding?

Bruce:

How about seven?

It's not for everybody, but at $700 - $1600 per night. About 25 miles north of Key West, a private island off Little Torch Key, the top spot would have to be Little Palm Island.

Bs"), but actually built in 1992 (it's on the cover of my "Florida's Finest Inns and B& very nautical, i also like the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge on Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island--looks like an old Cape Cod house.

Pete Beach is very elegant and posh. The historic Don CeSar Hotel on St.

Or South Seas Plantation, the 'Tween Waters Inn, anywhere on Captiva (off Florida's southwest Gulf coast)--The Castaways (simple little cottages right on the beach).

Up on the Panhandle between Panama City and Destin--perhaps Florida's most beautiful beach--rent one of the many pastel bungalows, seaside.

Breakfast in Micanopy--about fifteen miles south of Gainesville; ) bed &. A gracious turn-of-the-century red-brick Georgian (and maybe haunted, the Herlong Mansion?

B at the southern (quieter) end of Duval Street in Key West; the Dewey House B&.

Norm:

Bs in Florida would you consider to be the most romantically unique and why, which 5 inns or B& as a follow up to the last question?

Bruce:

If you ask me a month from now I'm liable to give you five different choices. See the list in the previous question--but it's a constantly shifting list--depends on what you're in the mood for.

Norm:

And why, which five restaurants in Florida would you consider to be the most romantically unique?

Bruce:

With the same disclaimer as above:

Beach Street Grill in Fernandina on Amelia Island:

Bud and Alley's in Seaside:

In old town Key West: marquesa Café

Alice's On Duval also in Key West:

Oystercatchers overlooking the bay in Tampa:

Norm: And in great locations, they're in picturesque settings, beach Bistro on Holmes Beach/Anna Maria Island--all because they have outstanding food.

How long do you stay in each town or destination before writing about them, as a follow up? How much time per month do you devote to travel and how do you go about choosing your destinations?

Bruce:

The next month I might not even step out of my office. One month I might be gone almost every week. "It varies widely", is, the answer to questions #1 and #3--time devoted to travel and how long do I stay.

Out-of-the-way places, i tend to seek out quiet, as I had mentioned, as for question #2--choosing destinations.

That set how big it could be. 000, and finally settled (for a starting point) on towns with a census population of less than 10, i needed a definition for the purposes of the book. Choosing my "Visiting Small-Town Florida" small towns was not nearly as easy as I first thought it would be. Almost all the Florida destinations that I write about are places I've visited many times over the years.

And Yeehaw Junction, ozello, and a few I went to see just because they had oddball names--like Sopchoppy, but some were suggestions by friends, many of the places I already knew about and had visited. And Cross Creek--"The Yearling" author Marjorie Rawlings' home, that let me include some tiny crossroads like Two Egg--population 31. I decided that if it had a name it could be a town, for how small.

Or something that made the place special, interesting history, a good hole-in-the-wall diner, not all of the places I visited made it into the book--only those where I found a good story.

Norm:

Is there anything else you wish to pass on to our readers pertaining to Florida getaways that we have not covered in this interview?

Bruce:

If you know where to find it--and that's the purpose of my books, and old/historic Florida left to see, natural Florida, there's still plenty of off-the-beaten-path Florida. Just that there is a lot more to Florida than Disney and crowded beaches.

Thanks once again Bruce for your participation.

Air Tickets Cheap - A Stingray Tale

Floated tremulous images before his eyes of what the next high tide may bring, large holes left by monster snapper excavating for succulent molluscs with their bone crushing jaws. Draws like a magnet, dark seaweed smell everywhere, pockmarked with crab holes and their scuttling tenants, littered with stranded puddles of left behind sea, that great area of exposed mud. This little corner of Marlborough is paradise to a small boy, ringed by lush native bush to the waterline. Low tide reveals a great expanse of brownness, but the water being as shallow as it is, the tide range is not huge. The head of Queen Charlotte Sounds are tidal.

He finds it difficult not to break into a trot, with the trembling thrill of anticipation running through him, nevertheless. So he need not hurry, he knows precisely how long the advancing sea will take to creep up over the mud, containing his excitement. Spirits soaring along with the flowing tide he trudges up the dusty strip to collect his fishing gear.

Lines and boxes of lures, reels, with the price today of putting together an effective fishing ensemble of expensive rods, compare this if you will. To make, costing all of five bob(five shillings) in the old currency, the mighty snapper killer, this is it then. Its wicked barbed tip is buried deep in the layered green strands wound on its stick, glittering in the sunlight. Knotted to the end of this nylon is his favourite 'fish killer' hook. A home poured barrel lead weight slid down nestling against the brass swivel linking the line to three feet of heavy gauge nylon. Wound bobbin like onto a handy piece of discarded squared off dowel, gear was pretty low tech back then and consisted of a hundred yards of sturdy green woven twine.

But it always rankled slightly that he never did get an accurate count, his estimate of fifteen hundred was probably fairly close, being about a third of the way. He never got beyond five hundred, with the easily distracted mind of a young boy envisioning monster fish, always reeled them off faster than his brain could keep up and, his steps however. All the way out to the end, many times he had set out along them with the intention of counting each board. The twisted boards stretch into the hazy distance like ever diminishing tramlines, squinting along the jetty. He rattles out the last of the sharp stones from his sandals, tapping his toes on the ancient grey boards. The jetty stalks its way the best part of a hundred yards out over the squelchy mud. His fishing line nestles comfortably in his left hand, stepping back onto the first few grey planks of the long rickety jetty.

Hopefully so it comes to rest near a crab hole that a cruising snapper would want to investigate, and heave it into the water, bait up the snapper killer, he is in good time and will be able to organise his position. Ambling his way to the outermost end of the jetty, he knows this precisely. Is the best time for hooking into a monster snapper, one hour before and one hour after high tide. Scuttle about freely under the silt filled blanket of advancing brine, bolder now, the occupants. Filling the myriad crab homes as it goes, bubbling its way over the mud flats, the inflowing tide foam capped fans out, swirling around the mussel festooned pilings.

Fascinated by the swirling patterns slowly eating their way up the dense carpet of bearded mussels, he stares down into the murky water, toes protruding over the very end. This is how he likes it. It fills him with a great satisfaction for it to be devoid of any other humans - he will share it with a largish black backed seagull eyeing him warily from the outermost bollard, but still, he has known this from the moment he stepped on. Approaching the end he sees he has the whole jetty to himself.

Grey strip of skin wetly dripping on his hook - this morning though is the time for big fish only, sorry, leaving only a sodden, he has retrieved the line to find all the flesh removed, producing only a few nibbles, the skin of a Trevally is so tough that many a time when a cast has been unproductive! Weaving it carefully onto the hook he works the barb until it is just wickedly exposed through the tough skin. Rummaging in his small fishing bag he extracts the specially prepared bait and cuts it into decent sized chunks.

He assumes it is indifferent to his skill, but with no applause forthcoming, he notes the seagull blinking, glancing around! Picks them up and feeds out enough line to allow the sinker to drop to the bottom - not far in these tidal flats, as it hits the surface he puts his foot on the remaining coils. Curling down into the water with a far off plop, lifting the coils off the deck as it goes and travels its parabola, the solid lead weight leaps forward in its path to escape. He releases it on the upward swing at precisely the exact moment, and leaning into it as he steps forward, the combination of length and speed when it is just right transmits its message into his arm via the brain. As it picks up speed he allows more line to slip bit by bit through his fingers until it is whirring around his ears in an ever increasing arc. He begins to twirl it around his head in long slow sweeps, grasping the line two feet up from the weight. Coiled on the dock awaiting its whistling journey out over the water just as far as he can heave it, the green line is ready. He is all set, casting a final professional eye over his handiwork.

So big it is dragging him off the wharf and into the water, and looking down he sees a horrible large bug eyed red cod latched on, there is something pulling on his finger right now! Hoping the bait is still intact, or does he leave it out there? Does he pull in the line to check the bait and possibly miss a fish? A constant war rages within as high tide approaches without a bite. Tingling as they anticipate the first tug, the line rests lightly in his fingers. So water motion has slowed right down, high tide is approaching. His old floppy sun hat shields his eyes so he can spot any movements in or on the water. Rolls down the valley, the far off drone of a NAC DC3 rumbling its thundering way to Wellington somewhere beyond the hills. It makes for very pleasant basking, and with a slight breeze wafting up the Sound, the high overcast this morning breaks the power of the sun. Leaning up against a bollard he settles down to wait in the warm sunshine.

It is a fifteen pound beauty. He pulls out his kauri kerri and gives it a smart blow over its forehead and it lies still. He is able to lean over and quickly gaff the fish and lift it weakly flapping on to the dock, floating on the surface now right by the piles. Rapidly tires and he is able to pull it to the jetty after a few minutes, with the hook embedded in its stomach, a snapper this size is quite strong and pulls very hard at the outset but. As it shakes its bony head against the pull, thud, thud, the snapper doesn't like this and fights back with the familiar steady thud. This he does. All he needs to do at that point is stop the line in his hand and set the hook with a hefty tug. After a few yards the fish will have enough confidence and swallow the bait. Any resistance in this shallow water and he will drop the bait straight away. Testing, and in its cautious way it has picked up the bait in its mouth and is slowly swimming off with it, he knows it is a snapper. The line is slowly sliding through his fingers and gathering pace. Instantly alert and realises he had dozed off in the morning warmth, he starts.

Three snapper that size will feed the whole company! He sees the other two empty hooks which he plans on filling today, admiring his catch shining out of the gloom. Dark shed at the top, he launches another cast in case the partner is snooping around and runs all the way up the jetty to hang his prize in the cool, quickly baiting up again. Fresh fish very quickly becomes stale and smelly fish if left out too long in the sun. Caught on the incoming tide and mostly still alive, it is crammed full of crabs, as he suspects, he examines its stomach contents and yes, immediately gutting the pink and shiny snapper.

Heading toward him and those mussel covered piles, he can feel it tiring now and once again it turns shoreward. This pattern continues for some twenty minutes and with each circle the fish swims he is able to work it a little closer. The fish turns again and starts moving in large circles, pulling in line as fast as he can to keep up. The monster turns and for some reason begins swimming toward the jetty, right at the moment when it is going to be either the fish or him. But he dare not let go as the line will snap when it comes up taut at the end of its knot on the piling, what to do - the stout line is cutting into his hands. Which is threatening to haul him right off the dock, tug has been replaced by a strong steady heaving pull, tug, the familiar tug. For some moments trying to figure out what is on the end, not giving, not gaining, he stands there. He pulls in a short length to gain some slack and there is a huge pull back. The line will snap, knowing that with no give, he leaps on to it. And it is stretched taut to twanging point directly out to sea, but no spare coils on the dock, the end still tied around the pile, then he sees it. Gone, at first glance his fishing line has completely disappeared. Arriving once more at the end he cannot believe what he can't see. Light of foot and whistling to himself, turning away he hurries back along the dock.

How is he going to do this without the fish swimming in under and into the piles and cutting his line on the sharp mussels? He is going to have to walk it all the way up the jetty to the beach, way too large to gaff out onto the dock. The next problem is rapidly growing in his mind, meantime. This is replaced pretty much straight away thinking about the 'mana' he is going to receive from the others when he has landed this monster all by himself. And suddenly is a little scared, he has never seen a fish so big. Which gradually transforms into a gigantic black stingray, emerging slowly from the murk is a huge black waving blanket. He works it ever closer, still not sure what it is. He gets his first glimpse of something black and something massive.

And supposedly they don't feel pain, it's only a fish, never mind. And is almost overcome with sorrow for what he has done, looks at the sleek shape, he steps back, with all its life drained away. He takes his trusty fishing knife and proceeds to stab it many times in the head, not wishing it to have a slow death and having seen the recently released movie 'Psycho'. It is hauled up the wood of the steps, slipped through the rays' gills and with the help of three other burly participants from the gathering crowd, a stout rope is foraged out of the shed. Our young hero is only concerned about securing his trophy, there being no concerns about the preservation of marine stocks in those days. It floats just above the mud by the wooden steps, exhausted now. The shouts and thrashing rise to a crescendo so the poor animal never has a chance, every time it attempts a dart under. They begin thrashing the water between the ray and the pilings, returning with some suitable length manuka sticks. The problem is assessed and they race back to get some large sticks, not quite believing what they see. And they come running, he lets out a strangled cry. Now is the time to invite other humans to be involved. Looking along the dock he spies two people walking down. Help is at hand.

Cameras started to come out and many a shot is taken of our proud young man. Along with any photographs will be proof enough, he removed the barbed sting from its tail which. He stepped up and thanked them both for their vigorous thrashing of the water and the fellow didn't say much after that. So our man was forced to take some action, the taller of the two boys who had helped scare it away from the jetty was quite happy to let them think that he had caught it. What effrontery is this? One or two of the onlookers started to question the ability of this one boy to catch this huge fish by himself, after the initial excitement has died down. The general consensus is that it must weigh something close to five hundred pounds - truly a monster from the sea, but after a few minutes of banter, many estimates of its weight are bandied about.

Tomorrow is another day. Not a bad days fishing, notwithstanding there are still two empty hooks back in the shed, he thinks all in all, drinking in the adulation, strolling back up the metalled road. It probably cruised up here looking for easy pickings, finding it difficult to feed itself in the open ocean. This species of ray lives for thirty odd years and this one must be close. Washing it away and examining the sting he can see that many of the barbs are worn down and he comes to the conclusion that his stingray must be very old. The sting itself is almost twelve inches (29cm) in length and covered with black venom.